James Cornelius Brown

James Cornelius Brown, affectionately known as “Jimmy” passed away on Friday, April, 19, 2024 at Atrium Health hospital, Charlotte, after a prolonged illness at the age of 89 1⁄2 years. A resident of Charlotte, North Carolina for 40 years post-retirement, James was born on June 15, 1934 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is reunited in sunset with his wife of 45 years, Annie “Elizabeth” Thomas Brown; son, Kenneth; daughter, Lizetta; his mother, Naomi Ruth Brown Taylor; three younger brothers: Vordry “June”, Reginald and Kenneth; Grandfather, William Charles “Papa” Brown; and several dearly departed Aunts and Uncles. James is survived by two loving daughters, Debra Annette of Odenton, Md, and Angela Amelia of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter-in-law Marjorie; five beautiful grandchildren Christopher (Detria), Anjelika, Rashida (Byrant), Kitwana and Keturah (Joshua); three lovely sisters, Bettye T. Hairston, Gloria T. Campbell, and Gwendolyn Taylor, three sisters-in-laws: Gwendolyn Hoover Taylor, Ruth Quick, Mary Lee Thomas; and 7 great grandchildren. He leaves a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends to cherish his memory. Passion for Living: During his childhood and adolescence years, Jimmy attended Plato Price School in the western part of Mecklenburg County. He played the trumpet in the school band and traveled with them to participate in performances. As an adolescent in his late teens, Jimmy was enterprising and caddied at Carolina Golf Club. He taught himself to play golf and after years of playing became a scratch golfer whose skill earned him a number of trophies for winning Amateur tournaments in New Jersey including Weequahic Golf Course. His Aunt Amelia “Sister” who helped to raise him affectionately called him “James Corneilus, The Golf Player”. He traveled to different states participating in Golf Tournaments often coming in first place for individual and team play. In light of his outstanding golf skills and experience he was often referred to as one of the African American pioneers in the game of Golf during the 1970's - 1980's era. The Urban League Guild and The Urban League of Central Carolinas, Inc. presented Jimmy with the “Beat the Pro” Winner Award in recognition for outstanding achievement in the 12th Annual Urban League Guild Golf Tournament, September 19, 2005. He is a former Par Busters Golf Group member, Charlotte, NC. While attending A&T College in Greensboro, NC, Jimmy completed the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC). He signed up to serve in the United States Army on December 5, 1958 in Ft. Jackson, SC and received an Honorable Discharge post injury. Jimmy worked for the US Postal Services in Charlotte, NC then transferred to the New York City Branch. Jimmy ultimately started a career with and retired from NY City Transit Authority after 22+ years of service. Jimmy lived in Staten Island, NY with his family before moving back to his hometown of Charlotte, NC upon retirement. As a Believer in Jesus Christ as His Lord, Savior and Friend, he gained a revelation of The Holy Spirit from His Heavenly Father resulting in a heart change with a keen ability to discern spiritual matters. He Loved the revelation of “Heavenly Father’s Blessing”. He is a former member of St. Philips Baptist Church in Staten Island, NY and then post- retirement, St. Paul Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC. Jimmy was a member of the Golf ministry. Over the years, Jimmy participated in Plato Price School Reunions, Boy Scout’s with the church, Food Bank Crew, Amalgamated Transit Union, Handicap Golf Program of Carolinas, McCanless Men’s Golf Association (Salisbury, NC), Transit Associated Guild of the City of New York, Inc., Hampshire Hills community, Veterans Administration, to name a few. He completed “Living Healthy” Stanford University Diabetes Self-Management Program. Joy, Love of Life and A lot of Fun: Jimmy had such a zeal for life and a gift to make people laugh and catch them off guard with a witty joke. He loved to tell stories and then he would start laughing so hard as he was sharing. You couldn’t help but laugh as he was laughing & telling a funny story. He loved to cook and was a barbecue Pitmaster as well as fish fry expert. He loved many sports and was a Carolina Panthers fan. See you again: James Cornelius “Rest in Peace in the presence of your Heavenly Father as well as, Savior, Jesus Christ”! We shall see you again in that City way up in the Sky. Our troubles will be over and we’ll be home at last. A better day is coming, By and By.

James Cornelius Brown

June 15, 1934 - April 19, 2024